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The first burglary came on the afternoon of Wednesday, 24 January, when patio furniture was used to reach the first floor window of a home in Weaver Street, Bishop’s Stortford, which they then smashed between 1.50pm and 5.50pm.

Three properties in or around Havers Lane were targeted over the weekend of January 27 and 28, while Sawbridgeworth homes fell prey to offenders on Thursday 25 and Friday 26 January.

Time Line

Timeline of the break-ins

Wednesday 24 January

A home on Weaver Street in Bishop's Stortford was broken into between 1.50pm and 5.50pm.

Offenders used patio furniture to reach a first floor window which they then smashed to gain entry.

Thursday 25 January

A house in Highfield Avenue in Bishop's Stortford is targeted at around 10.45am.

The offenders gained access through an insecure side door and stole jewellery and car keys.

Thursday 25 January

A home in Sawbridgeworth is targeted this time, in Northfield Road.

This could have occurred anywhere between 1pm on Thursday to 1pm on Friday.

A rear window was smashed to gain entry to the property.

Friday 26 January

A second property in Sawbridgeworth is broken into, sometime between 8pm and 8.20pm.

The burglars managed to gain access via the front door, and a large amount of jewellery was taken.

Saturday 27 January

At some time between 2pm and 9.30pm, a house in Havers Lane was broken into.

It is unclear how the burglars accessed the property, but valuable jewellery was taken.

The weekend of Saturday 27 to Sunday 28

A further two properties in Bishop's Stortford were targeted over the weekend.

Burglars smashed the glass in the rear door of a house in Chesfield Close and then entered using the key, after which they stole cash.

Another House in Havers Lane was also broken into via the back door, and a "number of valuable items" were taken.

Monday 29 January

Four properties are burgled in the space of four hours.

Two BMWs were stolen from the drive of a house in The Stewarts, Bishop's Stortford, between midday and 2pm. The offenders broke down the front door and stole the car keys before driving away.

Offenders were disturbed as they tried to gain entry into a house on Heath Row, Bishop's Stortford.

On Rye Street between 3.40pm and 3.55pm offenders broke in through the kitchen door before taking cash and jewellery.

On Blackbushe between 3pm and 4.20pm the rear patio door was forced and jewellery was taken.

Police have now issued guidelines for residents, to help them keep their homes safe.

They are also appealing for witnesses to come forward, and would like to speak to anyone in the area who might have CCTV footage.

Neighbourhood Sergeant Mark Collins said: “We are keen to hear from anyone who may have information that could help our inquiries - did you hear or see anything?

“We are also keen to see any CCTV that was operational at these locations during these times. If you have CCTV that we are not aware of please contact us as soon as possible.

How to keep your home safe from burglars

Herts Police have issued advice to local residents to help keep your property safe and secure from burglars.

Their tips are:

Give your home a lived-in look. Offences can happen during the daytime and evenings when occupants are not at home, and criminals will always prefer to target unoccupied homes. If you give your home a lived-in look, by using a timer switch to turn on a light, radio or TV when it gets dark, then criminals are more likely to avoid your home.

Ensure all windows and doors are secure and locked. Remember: 'Lift, Lock, Remove'. UPVC doors can only be locked by lifting the handle and turning the key to ensure all security features are locked in place.